During the four-hour tour, Academy participants got an up-close look at the quarry’s new fully automated and highly efficient aggregates wash plant, along with the new high-performance water recycle and fines recovery plant, which has decreased the quarry’s reliance on water from local aquifer sources by 90 percent. The fines recovery plant reclaims aggregate fines from the wash plant and turns them into a useable sand product. Participants also watched a drilling exhibition by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, and a blasting demonstration by Dyno Nobel, emphasizing innovative, efficient, and safe mining technologies.

“It’s an honor for us to host the Quarry Academy at the premier aggregates facility in the country,” said Cemex USA Regional President – Texas Region Joel Galassini. “Cemex is a leader in the aggregates industry, and we are proud to demonstrate our high standards when it comes to safety and innovation.”

This was was the fourth time Cemex’s Balcones Quarry played host for Quarry Academy participants.